The TORCH Program, Inc of NYC

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About Us

Founded in 1999, The TORCH (Together
Our Resources Can Help) Program is
dedicated to transforming the lives of
underserved New York City public high
school students by providing intensive
exposure to career training and
opportunities in communications and the
arts. Through hands-on career focused
projects, educational outreach, internships,
counseling and professional mentors
students are provided with the tools to
formulate and pursue career and
educational goals.

Program participants meet weekly after
school and work on various projects that
give them hands on experience in industries
of focus. Additionally, TORCH plans college
visits and professional development
workshops for students throughout the year
focusing on topics such as resume writing
and interviewing skills. In the summer,
TORCH places students in paying
internships to allow them to further explore
career opportunities. Ultimate goals for
TORCH are that our participants graduate
from high school and college with a
direction and formulated goals, as well as
help of minorities within the communications
and arts industries.

Current programming at TORCH includes:

Weekly After School Program:
Participants worked on a variety of projects
in communications and the arts in 10-12
week cycles, gaining hands on experience.

College Prep:
TORCH students visit college campuses,
attend college and scholarship search
seminars and receive application assistance
in an effort to aid them in navigating the
college application process.

Shadow Day Week:
During Mid-Winter recess TORCH
participants have the opportunity to spend a
day with top communications and arts
professionals. This experience enriches the
internship program, allowing participants to
have a workplace experience prior to their
actual internship.

Summer Internship Placement Program:
Participants are placed in summer
internships which allow them to further
explore career opportunities and interests.
Job orientation and career enrichment
seminars are held throughout the school
year to assist participants in developing the
confidence and skills they need to excel in
their summer internship placements.

Summer Programming:
TORCH students participate in workshops in
Photoshop, Quark and Illustrator, skills often
required in college and the workplace. They
also make special visits to cultural
institutions and events throughout the
summer. The annual TORCH/MAIP College
Fair "Tales from the Campus" at NYU has
over 30 colleges represented.

Alumni Relations Program (ARP):
With participants transitioning into the ARP
yearly, TORCH continues to provide support
and programming for TORCH high school
graduates in college.